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LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2016) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team used a hat trick from captain Josh Sargent, a brace from Andrew Carleton and second half markers from Ayo Akinola and Rayshaun McGann to open the 2016 Nike International Friendlies with an impressive 7-1 win against Portugal at Premier Sports Campus on Wednesday night.

Carleton got the scoring started when he buried a penalty kick in the eighth minute, while Sargent’s clean finish gave the U.S. a 2-0 advantage inside the first 19 minutes. After Portugal’s Umaro Embalo pulled one back four minutes later, Carleton restored the two-goal advantage with a tremendous half-volley before halftime.

The U.S. poured on the pressure in the second half, with Sargent outmuscling his mark to earn a brace in the 54th minute, while Akinola got on the score sheet when he redirected Carleton’s shot nine minutes later. Sargent completed his hat trick with a clinical back heel in the 82nd minute before McGann’s driven blast in second half stoppage time capped the score at 7-1.

With the win, the U.S. moves to the top of the 2016 Nike International Friendlies standings, beating out Brazil on goal difference.

2016 Nike International Friendlies Standings

Team

GP

W

L

D

Pts.

GF

GA

GD

USA

1

1

0

0

3

7

1

+6

Brazil

1

1

0

0

3

4

2

+2

Turkey

1

0

1

0

0

2

4

-2

Portugal

1

0

1

0

0

1

7

-6

Next on the Schedule: A Turkey side that battled, but eventually fell 4-2 to Brazil in Wednesday’s tournament opener awaits the USA on Friday at 7 p.m. ET. That match will be preceded by Brazil facing off with Portugal at 3:30 p.m. ET. Both games can be seen live on U.S. Soccer’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and ussoccer.com.